Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 47
  2. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. Oct 20, 2010
    80
    EA Sports MMA wrestles away the belt from the reigning champ with its stellar combat that feels much closer to the genuine article than what we've seen elsewhere.
  2. Oct 20, 2010
    75
    Intuitive controls, a lengthy career mode, and impressive online options make this mixed martial arts game a serious contender.
  3. Dec 19, 2010
    50
    EA Sports MMA isn't as intricate as the sport it represents; it never presents itself as an arcade-like representation, so it's hard to not notice that it is a lackluster effort within the simulation genre.
  4. Oct 20, 2010
    82
    But no matter what the future holds, EA Sports MMA is a title that MMA fans should appreciate, and is a refreshing take on the MMA genre.
  5. Oct 20, 2010
    85
    Despite these issues, EA Sports MMA is still a powerful brawler, and another year or two in the gym should turn it into a true monster.
  6. Dec 15, 2010
    75
    The career mode is excellent, and the overall presentation is well done. The fighting engine is solid, though there are a few odd mechanical choices in play, and the career mode is very deep and time-consuming in a good way.
  7. Dec 19, 2010
    83
    While EA Sports MMA won't be an instant success due to the overwhelming popularity of the UFC name brand, I can honestly say that EA has made a more accurate and solid version of the shoot fighting sport than THQ.
  8. Dec 19, 2010
    83
    If you want to be your favorite fighter and have a fight night at home with some buddies, you're probably better off looking to UFC. If you want a game that controls better, presents the sport in a more favorable light, and really handles the intricacies and spirit of MMA, EA Sports has you covered.
  9. Oct 20, 2010
    80
    A great package overall and especially for long time MMA fans. There are some minor sticking points in the controls and some will miss their favorite UFC fighters, but if you want a fuller experience of what mixed martial arts is coupled with superior online modes, you can't do better than EA MMA.
  10. Dec 15, 2010
    85
    In the end, EA Sports MMA is a fantastic foundation for the series, and delivers a very fun experience overall. However, it suffers from some robotic animations that cripple the intensity of the fights.
  11. Dec 15, 2010
    60
    This is not, as it needed to be, the Pro Evo of mixed martial arts. [Dec 2010, p.94]
  12. Oct 20, 2010
    80
    While MMA might be the better game compared to UFC Undisputed 2010, it would be folly to ignore the void left by the lack of the UFC license. The Strikeforce league might be increasing in popularity, much like the sport in general, but it barely commands the weight of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Its branding is sorely missed, alongside Joe Rogan's and Mike Goldberg's industry-leading commentaries.
  13. Oct 22, 2010
    68
    EA Sports MMA is a good first step to build a new series, but it is nowhere near its competition.
  14. Dec 19, 2010
    80
    EA Sports MMA is a definite contender in the arena of mixed martial arts videogames. Once you grasp the control scheme everything becomes much more fun, and you really begin to appreciate what the developers have accomplished.
  15. Oct 20, 2010
    86
    EA did it again, but this time in the MMA section. The handling of EA SPORTS MMA is remarkably innovative, and thus the game is very attractive to any fan of sports, especially fighting sports.
  16. Oct 20, 2010
    86
    EA Sports MMA is a great title that every Mixed Martial Arts aficionado should have. The attention to detail is top notch, with fighters that behave mostly like their real counterparts in a fight and a well-crafted career mode. Despite frequent and long loading times and a somewhat unbalanced difficulty curve EA devs definitely know their stuff when making sports games, and this is further proof of their ability.
  17. The result's a game where, though the quality of the fighting is almost as good as the competition's, a whole load of tiny details make the finished product a bit of a mess. [Issue#51, p.114]
  18. Jan 5, 2011
    70
    MMA has enough moments that are worthwhile. It's just too bad that EA hasn't learned from the strong and weak points of the competition. The controls aren't always working properly and the number of modes are a little on the thin side. However, true MMA-fans will be able to ignore these faults.
  19. Oct 22, 2010
    80
    With a disappointing career mode and less-than-stellar presentation, it's a less complete package than Undisputed. I should probably drop in a fighting metaphor here, I suppose: with MMA, it seems like EA is finding its range with the jab in the first round, before swinging for the fences in the second.
  20. Oct 22, 2010
    75
    EA Sports MMA certainly is based on a good foundation but Electronic Arts will need some more time to optimize the formula. Add another year of practice and UFC Undisputed will need to watch its championship belt.
  21. Oct 28, 2010
    70
    Some good ideas are spoiled by the complete absence of realism during the fight. Ground fights are well reproduced, but punches and kicks have no strength and no physical adherence to reality.
  22. Oct 25, 2010
    80
    Unfortunately, the commentary, though not noticeably repetitive, sometimes gets a long way behind the action.
  23. Oct 20, 2010
    80
    Finally EA MMA walks on the ring to fight against it's rival, UFC Undisputed. The game is really good but the lack of the UFC license is a huge limitation for the most hardcore fighting fans. Anyway, the game is smooth and based on a simple but deep command system.
  24. Dec 15, 2010
    89
    This brash, good-looking newcomer has all of the usual EA spit and polish you would expect. [Issue#198, p.88]
  25. Dec 19, 2010
    80
    By all accounts, EA Sports MMA is a good game. It has great graphics combined with a solid presentation and good controls.
  26. 70
    What is not forbidden is allowed – that is the only rule you need to know in this bone-breaking fighting game. User friendly controls and overall accessibility are spoiled by the lack of atmosphere and stupid AI. [Issue#197]
  27. Dec 15, 2010
    78
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
  28. Dec 15, 2010
    82
    EA Sport's sophomoric effort into the gaming world of MMA is a stand up showing. While its in-ring action isn't exactly up to the level of their main rival, it's international diversity and live broadcast feature puts into the title hunt.
  29. Oct 25, 2010
    60
    Can't really escape the headlock of its rival but a decent MMA game, all in all.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Negative: 6 out of 18
  1. 10
    Amazing!!! blows the ufc game away without a fight lol ea once again does it again congrats to the people who made this awesome very fun game dana white dropped the ball when he didnt get ea mma to make the ufc game cuz thq sucks Full Review »
  2. First off: If you're worried about the roster....and if you don't know these fighters... get to know them! They're some of the baddest on the planet no matter what Zuffa/UFC/Dana White claim. This game murders the UFC game... which I liked. Can't believe EA may already be considering not continuing the series because it's so darn satisfying. The play is fun, fluid, and rewarding. The career mode is a blast (can feel a little easy at first, but just up the difficulty once you get the hang of it). Online Live Event play is a blast with friends. Its just a freakin fun game. And Full Review »
  3. 0
    I think G4TV said it best when they said this game had interesting community features but no community. Look for this game to get cancelled soon. Don't buy it! you were warned! Kekeke Full Review »